Michigan

Khan column

DETROIT -- OK, the result wasn't what most hockey fans around here wanted, but you have to admit ... it was a pretty fun game to watch.
Hopefully the entertainment value remains high as the second-round playoff series between the San Jose Sharks and Detroit Red Wings continues for the next week or so.
The Sharks delivered the first blow in the series, beating the Red Wings 2-0 Thursday night at Joe Louis Arena in a high-tempo game that showcased the skill on both teams.
Showcasing skill ... what a novel concept.

That's a good sign for those who tune in to this series, because heaven knows we've seen enough playoff yawners over the years. Detroit has had high-powered teams that seem to always draw a less-talented opponent that is more intent on preventing scoring chances than creating them. There were only two goals in Game 1, but it wasn't for a lack of opportunity.
After facing slugs like Anaheim, Calgary, Nashville and Edmonton in recent years, it's no wonder that any mention of the term "neutral-zone trap" is as pleasant as fingernails on a chalkboard for Red Wings fans.
The playoffs, unfortunately, have become more about playing as boring a style of hockey as possible. Don't take any chances, just sit back and wait for the other team to make a mistake.
Even for real hockey fans, the game can be painful to watch at times. Imagine what a tough sell it is for the unwashed masses around the country who have not caught on to this great sport.
What made the rivalry with Colorado so beautiful wasn't necessarily the bad blood between the teams. OK, maybe that had a little something to do with it. The hockey itself was terrific, because the Avalanche could bring just as many big guns to the fight as the Red Wings. Neither team was afraid to go on the attack at any time.
San Jose won't passively sit back and hope to capitalize on Red Wing miscues, because the Sharks have at least as many weapons as Detroit.
Center Joe Thornton has more points than any player in the league since Dec. 1, 2005 with 206 in 140 games. Jonathan Cheechoo and Patrick Marleau rank in the top 17 over the same span.
The Red Wings aren't too bad, either, with elite talent like Nicklas Lidstrom, Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg. This team just isn't as deep up front as it was before the salary cap.
"We feel like we can play any kind of game," said San Jose defenseman Matt Carle, who pinched in from the point to score a power-play goal on a pass from Thornton at 9:45 of the first period.
"Our forwards have a lot of speed up front and they're big, as well. Obviously, we don't want to be going chance for chance with them, because they have such skilled forwards. But if we can create our opportunities and take advantage of those, we'll be all right."
Putting the Sharks on the power play will be flirting with disaster, as the Red Wings discovered during the regular season. San Jose was off the charts with the man advantage in four meetings with Detroit, going 13-for-31 (41.9 percent).
The Sharks had only one power play chance Thursday but cashed in, as some nice passing led to Carle's goal. Before you could blink, a heavy forecheck led to Mike Grier's goal just 24 seconds later.
In past playoff series, a two-goal deficit seemed insurmountable. You never had the feeling the Red Wings were out of this one, though, as they kept the heat on the Sharks and were dangerous throughout the game.
The Sharks slowed down after getting 10 shots in the opening period because they had to kill three straight power plays in the second, then were content to shut the door with a two-goal lead in the third. In a closer game, you get the feeling both teams will be going full-tilt for 60 minutes -- or longer.
In the end, 19 blocked shots by the Sharks and 34 saves by Evgeni Nabokov kept the puck out of San Jose's net.
The Red Wings are down 1-0 in the series and could be looking at another early-round exit. This time, however, you won't be able to blame Detroit's goaltending, coaching or effort if the Sharks eliminate the Red Wings.
This time, it will be against a team that has just as much talent -- and isn't afraid to use it.